Elon Musk is reportedly pursuing legal action against a documentary that recently premiered, directed by Alex Gibney, whom Musk criticized as a “horrible human” on social media. The documentary, titled Musk, made its debut at the Venice Film Festival and garnered a standing ovation lasting five minutes.
Described as an in-depth exploration spanning nearly four hours, the film delves into Musk’s trajectory as a controversial figure within the tech industry, known for his right-leaning views and leadership of a conglomerate valued at over a trillion dollars. Musk’s affiliations with influential figures like former U.S. President Donald Trump are highlighted, portraying him as a complex individual with a penchant for grand tech endeavors.
Media outlets such as The Guardian and Deadline have characterized the documentary as an extensive analysis of Musk’s persona, branding him as both the wealthiest and most mundane figure globally. Musk has vehemently opposed the documentary since its announcement in 2023, labeling it a “hit piece” and continuing to criticize it on social media in the past week.
Following its premiere, Musk has taken to social media to express disdain for the documentary, labeling it as “boring” and disparaging director Gibney’s credibility. Musk’s attorney, Alex Spiro, has issued a formal legal notice to the production team, threatening legal action if they fail to verify their information sources.
In response, Jigsaw Productions, the film’s production company, defended the documentary’s accuracy and emphasized the significance of scrutinizing influential figures like Musk. Despite Musk’s objections, the film is set to be showcased at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 14.
The documentary, directed by Gibney, known for previous works like investigations into Scientology and Enron, portrays Musk’s journey from his upbringing in South Africa to his establishment of tech ventures such as Tesla, SpaceX, and Starlink. It scrutinizes Musk’s collaboration with Trump and his controversial actions within the tech industry, including his involvement in restructuring the U.S. Agency for International Development.
Featuring interviews with prominent figures like Tesla co-founder Martin Eberhard and Musk’s ex-wife Justine Musk, the documentary also sheds light on Musk’s tumultuous personal relationships and alleged manipulation of online platforms. The film is slated for a limited theatrical release in North America starting on October 16, followed by a wider distribution on October 23.
